RP: Tea Time!

[Doji Edrick]

((OOC: Since you are not Crane if you haven't took a sip of tea in character. Mainly a place for Crane-Crane IC interaction, out of clanners are also welcome if they can make up a reason to be in the most private corners of the Fantastic Gardens.))

Doji Edrick still can't believe his first assignment right out of his gempukku - the Emperor's Winter Court in none other than Kyuden Doji. He is not a fool to miss the little details though - that he is only here as a minor functionary, and that his betters simply needed extra hands.

However, these won't discourage him to strive to be the best pair of extra hands.

He himself made the finishing touches of what would be a perfect spot for afternoon tea - the immaculate cups, the steaming pot, the fragrant sweets and the ambiance that only the Fantastic Gardens of the kyuden could offer. After judging that everything is in order, he sits and waits for his fellow Cranes to join him.

((Will he be greeted by a friendly face? Perhaps a surprise guest? You decide! Hop in! ;D))

[Kakita Takeo]

I just arrived in a teahouse with Ambassador Lion, maybe you want to join us to share tea Daidoji Edrick san?

[Doji Edrick]

He bows from his seat, forehead pressing the floor at the sight of the Iaijutsu Grandmaster approaching.

"You honor me greatly by sharing tea with you, Kakita-sama."

He rises and leaves the head of the table and offers it to Takeo. He then greets the Lion Clan ambassador and offers the second most prominent seat at the table.

"Lion-sama, I am delighted to be of your acquaintance. This one is Doji Edrick." he bows respectfully to the Lion as well. He pours tea to Takeo's cup as well as Lion-sama's. He silently motions the servants to serve snacks.

[Matsu Kaito]

Domo Arigato Edrick san. I'm Matsu Kaito. Former student of Matsu Seijuro, who studied here in the Dueling Academy. I'm happy to meet more and more Cranes in Kyuden Doji. Akodo Tomatsu sama, the Champion of the Lion clan sent me as an ambassador to your people. I hope I'll have the chance in a few days to meet your Chamion, Doji Yoshi sama to indroduce myself and mediate the good wishes of the Lion. I don't hide my wish to ride against the enemy on his side, but the decision is his of course and I don't want to pressure the politics of the Crane. Honestly I don' hide the feeling my heart is filled with sorrow, because I'm not on his side in the fight against the yobanjin. On the other hand, due to my mission I was lucky to meet Kakita Takeo san and learn about the thinking and behavior of the Crane from the chats with him- the Lion looks at the Crane at his side and bows his head.

I had deep and honest talks with him, and he showed the respectful side of your family. Though I said first I was sad to be separated from my Lord, but I also have to admit, that I learnt a lot in your lands.

Now Takeo san invited me to drink that kind of tea, that I was searching since my first visit to Kyuden Doji ages ago. I was a child then.

The Lion bushi seems to be more and more friendly as the sun sets - it must be the Ikoma blood in his veins from his fathers line. It's obvious he enjoys the company of the master of the Academy and the young bushi. His vioce became more direct, but honest as always.

[Doji Edrick]

"I guess it is expected from every warrior of the Lion, moreso of the Matsu family to be longing for combat. I hope Matsu-sama is aware that he assigned to another battle - different but just as glorious." he gestures towards the court of Kyuden Doji.

"Matsu-sama may be referring to the local Gyokuro Genmai Blend native to the Crane provinces." he orders the servant to prepare some. Doji Edrick then pours some to the Lion in another ornately decorated cup.

"Does Matsu-sama remember this tea?" he will ask after the Lion takes a sip.

[Kakita Takeo]

I watched the young Doji Edrick discuss Matsuo kaito and I was glad to have this property rejoind so calm.

to respond to the sadness of Matsu san, I reply:

"I hope that you will receive Doji sama very quickly. I have sent her a message and it should read shortly. But you must understand that our champion is very busy with this huge task. Among its new appointment, the clan organization, the organization of the court of winter, no one minute. But I'm just very quickly, you will be able to deliver message cutter from Akodo sama and then you can join troops preparing to leave for the north of the empire. "

Thinking of this hypothesis, I tell myself I should probably join kakita Kenshi for the future battle.

"Doji Edrick san was right when he says that you deliver another battle more subtle way here Matsu san. The history between our two clans are rich in misunderstanding and you have taken the first step towards us. I am pleased and you can always count on me to support you in the court of Doji Yoshi sama. "

In my turn, I taste the tea we've served.

However, I was asking Bushi lion

"You did not tell me what you thought of this unfortunate incident between our two clans Matsu san, I'd be curious to hear your side of the story ..."

[Matsu Kaito]

Yes that's it, that's the flavor I was waiting for - says the Lion loud after tasting the tea. Maybe it sounds a little bit harsher than the etiquette permits, but th childish joy makes his Crane company rather joyful and not violated.

Of course I understand the reason of waiting for the Champion sama. I didn't want to seem unpatient, especially ina company like this - smiles Kaito. Organizing so many things by one man and in so short time. This shows the greatness of the Crane Champion and the loyalty of his people.

Back to the issue of the border incident...- the Matsu sups from his tea to collect his thoughts and chose the right words. As I mentioned to You Takeo san, I'm a man of peace, and I also represented the solution of this issue peacfully in the Winter Court. To be honest I never thought the Crane could have been so reckless to attack the Lion without any reason. I supported the idea of involving the Dragon investigators wheteher they had some clue about the situation. Unfortunately they didn't have anything sure. Without reason I believe a war against our clans would have been unglorious and shameful. If there had been any unquestionable evidence the attackers had been from the people of the Crane clan, I would have been the in the fist lines n the battlefield, maybe facing against You - please appreciate my sincerity, but I think You'd do the same in my situation. But as I said, I belive it was a conspiracy to make our families to war each other and now I would feel honored to rinde into battle on your side - he bows first to Takeo, and second to Edrick, and smiles at them friendly.

But now enjoy the tea and the pleasent breeze of the wind. Isn't it getting time to change tea for sake? - laughs the ambassador.

[Doji Edrick]

He started taking small bites from his share of the sweets that go with the tea. He listens to the Lion Ambassador's story with interest - he had heard diffferent interpretations of it in court but not much from the Lion's point of view.

"I am glad to hear this position of the Lion for peace for I was advocating for the same cause. I am sure Yoshi-dono will be just as pleased." he nods.

"Also, I think Lord Doji would appreciate it more if the message is delivered with a clear head. Maybe we could share sake after you deliver the message to him? Unless of course, you are sure that you will not be seeing him within the day." he suggest with a light, friendly tone.

[Kakita Takeo]

"Your honesty does you credit Kaito san and again, I welcome your coming"

While listening to Kaito Matsu, I saw three envoys Doji. They bowed before me and asked to speak.

"Kakita sama, the lord Doji Domo has a message of utmost importance to you. See follow us please."

Looking Doji Edrick and Matsu Kaito, I get up slowly.

"Please forgive me, but I must leave you a few moments, time for me to see what the message of Doji Yoshi sama. There is no doubt that concerns you Kaito san."

Turning to Edrick Doji:

"I charge you to entertain our ambassador of the lion in my absence will be short. and do not abuse sake!" a friendly smile on my lips read.

[Doji Edrick]

"Of course, Kakita-sama. I will ensure that Matsu-sama will be kept safe, entertained and kept worthy of Lord Doji's time." he bows deeply.

[Matsu Kaito]

Of course, of course - smiles the ambassador. I was just joking with you two. But after my meeting with the champion, You cannot reject my invitation to a pleasant night while tasting delicious sake. I brought some from Matsu lands. Do not misunderstand me, I don't invite You to a drinking competition, I'm not a Crab at all - laughs the bushi. I just want to share the taste of the Matsu lands with two respectful partners and have an enjoyable chat.

So Edrick san...we are just the two of us now. I hope the duties of Takeo san won't last for long, but till that time, tell me something about yourself. You're pretty young, I guess your gempukku wasn't long ago. Maybe You paricipated in the Topaz Championship as well? Anyway, have You visited Winter Court in Kyuden Doji?

[Doji Edrick]

"Yes, Matsu-sama. I look forward to a taste of the Matsu lands." he nods and pours tea.

"It would seem that Kakita-sama will be given a precious assignment, considering his prowess and the current war with the outsiders. Also, Doji Yoshi-dono doesn't request personal audiences unless the situations calls for it. So I guess we would be without Kakita-sama's presence for a while."

"About my gempukku, yes, I just had mine this season. I was not chosen to represent the Crane in the Topaz Championships but I am blessed to be serving my clan this winter court here in Kyuden Doji." his chest swells with pride, almost reminiscent of an Ikoma Omoidasu before battle.

[Matsu Kaito]

Yes, You can be proud: You're so young, but already have a respectful place among your people.
I agree if Takeo san is asked by the Crane Champion, the task must be important, though I'm sad a little bit to miss a Crane friend - I hope after our talks I can call him one - but I'm sure he serves your clan honorably, and that's all a samurai can ask from the Fortunes.

But, don't talk about so serious things now! We have tea, and pleasant weather. Talk about your experiences here in Kyuden Doji, have You met interesting people here in Winter Court during the months? During my stay here, I learnt a lot of things about the Crane and how to behave in the battlefield of courts.

[Doji Edrick]

"Ah yes, Matsu-sama! The courts are like walking through the stone pavements after the rain for one such as I." he paused as if remembering something.

"By the way, are there other representatives from the honorable Lion that attended this year's session? With the size of the Kyuden and the war, I get the feeling you won't be surprised when I say you are the first representative I have shared tea with."

[Kakita Takeo]

While I return to Matsu and Kaito Doji Edrick, my face was closed, as if I had to learn a new heavy consequences.
I looked from Kaito and Edrick and I tell them:

"Matsu Kaito san, I am sorry to tell you that you can not meet yoshi Doji Sama. Indeed, it has just gone to answer the call of the Emperor to join our troops in the northern empire. I know you had an important message to transmit but rest assured he is sorry not to see you. "Taking a break, I continued:

"However, you may be pleased to know that I have just been elected hatamoto Crane clan. Therefore, I become the right arm of Doji Yoshi sama. If you want me to send the message Akodo Tamatsu sama I make a point to reply or forward it to Doji sama. "

You should know that the emperor to call all the clans to meet in the capital to prepare for war against yobanjin and it seems to me that you must reach your men over there right away. Be assured of my friendship and that the words we've had will be etched in my memory. "

Turning to Doji Edrick, I said:

"Doji Edrick san, I appoint you ambassador Crane Land of the Lion! You will accompany Matsu san on his land and you will convey our respects to Akodo Tamatsu sama from our clan. Be worthy of the task that I confiscation is a huge honor to represent his clan! "

Now I have to leave a clan Dragon ambassador has just arrived and I must receive it on behalf of the clan of the crane because there was not Doji sama. "

As if the task was immense, I had a smile on Matsu san.

"It seems that the time of the war will start against the barbaric North. I am sure we will find ourselves there."

Bowing before Matsu Kaito, waiting his response.